Rogers iPhone 3G Voice/Data Plans Incur Internet Revolts

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Mention of Rogers iPhone 3G Voice/Data Plans Will Result in a Verbal Backlash

Yikes. That’s the first thing that comes to my mind after reading up on the endless frustrated rants of Canadians after Rogers iPhone 3G voice/data plans were revealed. There’s a saying that history repeats itself, and in this case it chimes true again and again.

Rogers over the years has had a notorious reputation as the “hated” mobile carrier in Canada. Why you ask? Well, for starters their pricing plans have never been “competitive” (why would they need to be when you have a monopology on GSM?!). On top of that, you have a team of poorly trained customer service reps that tell you one thing, then do another (I have first hand experience with this when I found out my 1 year contract was in fact THREE. I called in to Rogers to inquire, and they told me I had signed a 3 year contract. Umm…no, I don’t think I’ve ever done anything of the kind. They then have the nerve to tell me that in order to change my 3 year contract to a 1 year contract, I’d have to pay the $400 early cancellation charge! I DID NOT SIGN 3 YEARS, yet they would not listen to me. That is unacceptable customer service and bad business practice. Okay, rant ends here.)

Well, yesterday’s iPhone 3G voice/data plans did not impress ANYONE. I have yet to read a positive comment on the internet, including the iPhoneinCanada.ca Forums. People right now are just livid and incensed about the plans, even the people who have been patiently waiting over a year for the iPhone’s release in Canada. How can Rogers get away with this?

This plan, created out of thin air sounds much better than $60 for 150 daytime minutes and 400MB of data! The iPhone is the most hyped device around then entire world at the moment–and it’s clear that Rogers wants to take full advantage of this. If a decent voice/data plan was introduced, I guarantee Rogers would steal hundreds if not thousands of Bell and Telus customers making the switch. Yet, they have decided to the road WAY less traveled (I think it’s a chip trail) with expensive, price-gouging plans that offer no value. Don’t forget to add the “value packs” of either $15 or $20 to drive the price up even more.

Flaws in the Rogers iPhone 3G Voice/Data Plans (or, things that are making Canadians angry)

1. 150 daytime minutes for $60. I hope this isn’t an early April Fool’s joke. That equates to 7.5 minutes of talktime during the day in a month (subtracting free weekends). Do you talk more than 7.5 minutes in a day? If you go over these minutes, it’s $0.35 extra PER minute!

2. $15/$20 value packs. Gee, I remember when voicemail and caller ID could be bundled for like $5 or so…now we have to pay $15 or $20 EXTRA? Yeah, I understand that you get 2500 text messages–but who really sends 83 text messages per day?! Also, announcing that 2500 call forwarding minutes are included is not a bonus. Honestly, how many people still use call forwarding?

Without the $20 value pack, your evenings will start at 6PM. If you don’t get the $20 value pack, your free evenings start at 9PM. Yes, that’s right…9PM (Fido’s evenings start at 7pm)! Some people start getting ready for bed at 9PM, yet Rogers expects you to have free calling after that. Obviously customers will not be able to resist waiting until 9PM to call or answer their iPhones–that means $0.35/minute overage charges baby!

3. Fido customers have the upper hand. If you buy an iPhone 3G from Fido, and opt for the $20 value pack you are already one step up on your confused father, Rogers. Fido customers will get 5PM early evenings, versus 6PM for Rogers customers. On top of that, Fido users will have billing by the second (trust me, they will need this more than ever before!), which Rogers will not.

Also, the Fido website states that their users will be rewarded FidoDollars for wireless data usage. So does that mean the more wireless data you use, the more FidoDollars you will collect? Rogers customers have no such reward system in place. Not fair.

4. Useless added facts to confuse customers. The plans state that “unlimited WiFi at Rogers/Fido outlets will be included”. Whoop-dee-do. Free WiFi is pretty much available at any coffee shop, depending on where you live. Why would Rogers/Fido customers want to use WiFi outside a Fido/Rogers outlet? They shouldn’t have to, as a complete and reasonable data plan would be sufficient enough!

Did you notice the detailed explanation of “what you get” with the new data plans? Rogers decided to throw in some big numbers, hoping they’d confuse the average customer. This is what I’m talking about…400 MB, up to 200,000 text emails or 3,100 web pages or 1,360 photo attachments. Of course reading these stats will make it seem impressive, but every user is different.

5. Data plan overage charges. According to Rogers, if you go over your allotted data usage you will be charged the following: 50¢ per MB for the first 60 MB, 3¢ per MB thereafter. For iPhone 3G users not keeping close tabs on their data usage, going over will cost you an arm and a leg. More money for Rogers. Ka-ching! Hmm…maybe my first generation iPhone isn’t looking too shabby at the moment! 🙂

Evidence of Canadian Animosity Towards Rogers’ iPhone 3G Plans

Don’t believe me that people are just absolutely shocked and angry? Check out these sites for more info…

The head corporate media guy in the USA
Steve Dowling
dowling@apple.com
(408) 974-1896

and the BIG honcho at Apple for communications is :
Katie Cotton
katiec@apple.com
Vice President of Worldwide Corporate Communications

Canadian Minister of Industry, Jim Prentice
Prentice.J@parl.gc.ca

I honestly believe Rogers underestimated that Apple buyers and iPhone 3G techies are very picky when it comes to their purchases. They can easily see past the fact that Rogers is trying to take full advantage of consumers with their iPhone 3G pricing plans. Could Rogers possibly adjust these plans by July 11th? It is possible. Maybe this announcement is just to “test the waters” to see what Canadians feel about these plans. If that’s the case, then it’s another case of what scientists call “EPIC FAIL”.

I’m done. OUT. FINISHED. I’m seriously happy to pay the ECF at this point. Screw them. Because they were jerks, and didn’t let me keep my number when I wanted to give my plan to someone else, they lost out on a total of $7200 or so in revenue. Now that I see the new plans, I can EASILY recover the ECF with Bell or Telus — They’d be happy to have a new client with the plans I choose, and I’ll still save the ECF in the first year of ONE of the two service plans that Rogers will miss out on.

Who cares that I won’t be playing with an iPhone. There’s plenty of other devices coming out that will be clearly capable.

I’m done. OUT. FINISHED. I’m seriously happy to pay the ECF at this point. Screw them. Because they were jerks, and didn’t let me keep my number when I wanted to give my plan to someone else, they lost out on a total of $7200 or so in revenue. Now that I see the new plans, I can EASILY recover the ECF with Bell or Telus — They’d be happy to have a new client with the plans I choose, and I’ll still save the ECF in the first year of ONE of the two service plans that Rogers will miss out on.

Who cares that I won’t be playing with an iPhone. There’s plenty of other devices coming out that will be clearly capable.

This post is great. I hope thousands of people read it and send emails to all the namees at the bottom. We have to do something to convince Ted-man and his crew that their offer is not attractive, that the business wont come to them with such terms –but that it would if the plans were revised.

This post is great. I hope thousands of people read it and send emails to all the namees at the bottom. We have to do something to convince Ted-man and his crew that their offer is not attractive, that the business wont come to them with such terms –but that it would if the plans were revised.

I know I will.
Thx for the email adresses.

Ryan

I was so excited to get this device I had been following it for over a year. Was thrilled when it was confirmed for Canada. These plans killed my joy for this device. This device is all about the internet in your pocket, Rogers is trying to justify these plans with pointless extras like Call forwarding min and wifi access to a select small group of wifi access points. These are pointless frills trying to hide the fact these plans suck. Why couldnt they just do a $30 data plan for even 1gig of data and let you add it to select voice plans. Rogers you’ve really goofed this time. My monthly bills are 200+, Fix these plans or I’m taking my business elsewhere. I really hope the internet community backlashes on you

Ryan

I was so excited to get this device I had been following it for over a year. Was thrilled when it was confirmed for Canada. These plans killed my joy for this device. This device is all about the internet in your pocket, Rogers is trying to justify these plans with pointless extras like Call forwarding min and wifi access to a select small group of wifi access points. These are pointless frills trying to hide the fact these plans suck. Why couldnt they just do a $30 data plan for even 1gig of data and let you add it to select voice plans. Rogers youÂ’ve really goofed this time. My monthly bills are 200+, Fix these plans or I’m taking my business elsewhere. I really hope the internet community backlashes on you

genny

this is definitely devastating news.

what i’m wondering, and lots of people around have been asking, is whether or not you can buy the iphone with the 3yr contract, then buy out the contract (ECF) and just go back to either just a voice plan or maybe even the new data plans you posted about last week or so?

it’s no doubt that it would be quite a bit of money for the ECF ($400?), but clearly people are still wondering…it’s an interesting method to get around the ridiculous iphone data prices.

genny

this is definitely devastating news.

what i’m wondering, and lots of people around have been asking, is whether or not you can buy the iphone with the 3yr contract, then buy out the contract (ECF) and just go back to either just a voice plan or maybe even the new data plans you posted about last week or so?

it’s no doubt that it would be quite a bit of money for the ECF ($400?), but clearly people are still wondering…it’s an interesting method to get around the ridiculous iphone data prices.

Jeff C

One of my biggest issues with these new plans is the 36 month tether. If the contract were something more reasonable like 18 months, I would consider signing up. I would rather pay a bit more up front for the phone and have a shorter contract period.

As I’ve said before, I will now continue using my first gen hacked iPhone on pay-as-you-go while I wait for a some competition to arrive on the Canadian scene. (Maybe wishful thinking).

Apple – take note of what’s happening here – Canadians appear to be pretty ticked off with your partner Rogers – I think you should work hard to find another partner for Canada. The backlash will reflect on your image as well.

Jeff C

One of my biggest issues with these new plans is the 36 month tether. If the contract were something more reasonable like 18 months, I would consider signing up. I would rather pay a bit more up front for the phone and have a shorter contract period.

As I’ve said before, I will now continue using my first gen hacked iPhone on pay-as-you-go while I wait for a some competition to arrive on the Canadian scene. (Maybe wishful thinking).

Apple – take note of what’s happening here – Canadians appear to be pretty ticked off with your partner Rogers – I think you should work hard to find another partner for Canada. The backlash will reflect on your image as well.

Seems as though these plans have really deflated many “iPhone 3G” balloons. I wonder if Rogers will ever consider changing the prices. Fat chance!

iPhone Fan

Seems as though these plans have really deflated many “iPhone 3G” balloons. I wonder if Rogers will ever consider changing the prices. Fat chance!

Ben

Here’s a long shot … but what I think needs to happen on July 11th is the exact opposite of what people have seen in the past for an iPhone launch. Empty stores, no line. It would be amazing (and nearly impossible) to see Rogers not clear any iPhones on the first day of sales. I know I’ll be encouraging my friends and family to hold out and adopt the wait and see attitude.

The only way this is going to change is for it to get real attention. The blogsphere, as humming as it is, is not real attention. Rogers knows that the people that have been reading, watching, and interacting in blogs and forums is such a small percentage of the users out there. The message has to move beyond these forums and into the mainstream.

Anyone out there have ideas, ways, or means to make this happen?

Ben

Ben

Here’s a long shot … but what I think needs to happen on July 11th is the exact opposite of what people have seen in the past for an iPhone launch. Empty stores, no line. It would be amazing (and nearly impossible) to see Rogers not clear any iPhones on the first day of sales. I know I’ll be encouraging my friends and family to hold out and adopt the wait and see attitude.

The only way this is going to change is for it to get real attention. The blogsphere, as humming as it is, is not real attention. Rogers knows that the people that have been reading, watching, and interacting in blogs and forums is such a small percentage of the users out there. The message has to move beyond these forums and into the mainstream.

Well I emailed everyone of those supplied e-mail addresses. I just hope everyone does the same. Nothing will change unless there’s a huge public outcry.

Grant

Well I emailed everyone of those supplied e-mail addresses. I just hope everyone does the same. Nothing will change unless there’s a huge public outcry.

Aaron

In response to Ben:

I was thinking about emailing CBC or CTV and telling them about the whole situation. It isn’t to often we hear about this in the news. If we can start a flood of emails, letters, reports, anything then maybe we can get the message out to more Canadians than we have now.

Aaron

In response to Ben:

I was thinking about emailing CBC or CTV and telling them about the whole situation. It isn’t to often we hear about this in the news. If we can start a flood of emails, letters, reports, anything then maybe we can get the message out to more Canadians than we have now.

Well Rogers has done it again, showing it’s yellow monopolistic teeth! 2GB of Data per month with the $115 Package? This is highway robbery! Are these corporate bloodsuckers for real?

All this is stemming from he fact that there are no competition for Rogers in Canada! No other GSM Service Provider! I was planning to at least buy 3 iPhone 3Gs, but I changed my mind! No iPhone till Rogers stops this draconian pricing for their data plan! What is hard to understand is this: Why Rogers has such a problem with DATA? Why? At least can they stop issuing decrees and actually explain to their clients why they are so stingy with their data bandwidth? May be also explain to us why the majority of Service Providers selling iPhone can sell their phones with an unlimited data plan?

Only 2GB a Month? This is a disgrace and it shows what Rogers really thinks about their Canadian Customers! They truly think that we are stupid & ignorant and that we neither know – nor are we capable of learning anything! Well I have news for you, Rogers: WE ARE NOT! I am canceling my plans for purchasing 3 iPhone 3G, until they offer UNLIMITED Data Plan! I am sure that most people, after finding out what Rogers is really doing, will cancel their plans as well. So I guess it was all for nothing to wait a full year for the arrival of iPhone to Canada! 🙁

Knowing about Rogers underhanded decision not to offer UNLIMITED data plan, Apple should have NEVER given iPhone sells rights to Rogers in the first place! Unlimited Data has been the cornerstone of Apple’s agreement for allowing a Service Provider to sell iPhone. Rogers held out for a full year, knowing that they have the monopoly on GSM market, and Apple gave up, which is very uncharacteristic of Apple. I guess Apple doesn’t care about their it’s Canadian Clients either!

poopstech

Rogers has done it again! No UNLIMITED Data plan for iPhone

Well Rogers has done it again, showing it’s yellow monopolistic teeth! 2GB of Data per month with the $115 Package? This is highway robbery! Are these corporate bloodsuckers for real?

All this is stemming from he fact that there are no competition for Rogers in Canada! No other GSM Service Provider! I was planning to at least buy 3 iPhone 3Gs, but I changed my mind! No iPhone till Rogers stops this draconian pricing for their data plan! What is hard to understand is this: Why Rogers has such a problem with DATA? Why? At least can they stop issuing decrees and actually explain to their clients why they are so stingy with their data bandwidth? May be also explain to us why the majority of Service Providers selling iPhone can sell their phones with an unlimited data plan?

Only 2GB a Month? This is a disgrace and it shows what Rogers really thinks about their Canadian Customers! They truly think that we are stupid & ignorant and that we neither know – nor are we capable of learning anything! Well I have news for you, Rogers: WE ARE NOT! I am canceling my plans for purchasing 3 iPhone 3G, until they offer UNLIMITED Data Plan! I am sure that most people, after finding out what Rogers is really doing, will cancel their plans as well. So I guess it was all for nothing to wait a full year for the arrival of iPhone to Canada! 🙁

Knowing about Rogers underhanded decision not to offer UNLIMITED data plan, Apple should have NEVER given iPhone sells rights to Rogers in the first place! Unlimited Data has been the cornerstone of Apple’s agreement for allowing a Service Provider to sell iPhone. Rogers held out for a full year, knowing that they have the monopoly on GSM market, and Apple gave up, which is very uncharacteristic of Apple. I guess Apple doesn’t care about their it’s Canadian Clients either!

Guest

wait can you get a plan that is 15 dollars? but is limited non the less? the one that u get to call people and send a few text messages?!?!?!? could anyone reply?
please?!?!?!?!?
thank you.

luis ragone

wait can you get a plan that is 15 dollars? but is limited non the less? the one that u get to call people and send a few text messages?!?!?!? could anyone reply?
please?!?!?!?!?
thank you.

Jonny

Best way to take action: vote with your wallet — don’t buy one, and tell everyone else not to buy one.

This is the only effective way to protest in a free market economy.

Who’s got the guts, eh?

Jonny

Best way to take action: vote with your wallet — don’t buy one, and tell everyone else not to buy one.

This is the only effective way to protest in a free market economy.

Who’s got the guts, eh?

Simon-Pierre RIOUX

Please call ROGERS at 1877-764-3772, they need more voice feedback – they record all conversations. Emails get discarded and do not get read.

The Customer Rep I talked to was aware of the anger about the iPhone, but I was the first person to call about it!!! On July 4rd, a whole week after they announced their plans!!!! That needs to change!!

Thanks for helping out!

Simon-Pierre RIOUX

Please call ROGERS at 1877-764-3772, they need more voice feedback – they record all conversations. Emails get discarded and do not get read.

The Customer Rep I talked to was aware of the anger about the iPhone, but I was the first person to call about it!!! On July 4rd, a whole week after they announced their plans!!!! That needs to change!!

Thanks for helping out!

Maryam

i just called them about 30 mins ago and they told me it was VERY LIKELY that the price of the data plans would be brought down and a chance that an unlimited data plan would be introduced, apparently none of the plans they have up one there sites are set in stone yet and the final plans will be announced on july 10 the day before it comes out, also they said it is likely that the prices will be lowered later on too.~

Maryam

i just called them about 30 mins ago and they told me it was VERY LIKELY that the price of the data plans would be brought down and a chance that an unlimited data plan would be introduced, apparently none of the plans they have up one there sites are set in stone yet and the final plans will be announced on july 10 the day before it comes out, also they said it is likely that the prices will be lowered later on too.~

bobby

This is stupid i was saving for a while because i was going to get pay as you go but i figured out that wasd all a wast of time saving (very dissapointed ROGERS)

bobby

This is stupid i was saving for a while because i was going to get pay as you go but i figured out that wasd all a wast of time saving (very dissapointed ROGERS)